Families hit by the Covid-19 pandemic could be in line for help with their fuel bills, thanks to a new scheme launched through Citizens Advice Devon.

The well-known advice service is working in partnership with Devon County Council to distribute fuel vouchers to people who are having to choose between heating and eating.

Chair of the Citizens Advice Devon, David Incoll, said money from the Covid Winter Grant would be available to families in need due to changing financial circumstances.

He added: “Families from all walks of life have taken a hit due to the changes that c19 has brought in.

“Whether it is from reduced income from being furloughed, losing work as workplaces close, or being at home with the children all day and so needing to increase spend on food for the family, family budgets are taking a hit.

“At Citizens Advice we provide a huge range of practical support through the advice we give. In this instance, we are able to back up that advice with a bit of financial support as well.”

The funds are part of the Covid Winter Grant scheme launched by the government to help families affected by the pandemic.

The aim of the fund is to give vulnerable households peace of mind over the winter months.

A spokesman for Citizens Advice East Devon said: ‘The aim of this scheme is to provide support to people who may having to scale back on their heating – or even choose between eating and heating.

“If you come to Citizens Advice for help because you are in food poverty or fuel poverty there are many things we can do to help address the underlying issues.

“We can offer you a benefits check, to see if you might be entitled to additional assistance where your circumstances have changed. We can look at any debt issues you may have, and support you in dealing with creditors and other outgoings.

“We can also help you understand your income and outgoings, so you feel more confident in understanding what you can do to keep costs under control.

“Above all, we will listen to you, and see what we can do to help to move you forward.”

The scheme is designed to encourage people to talk to their local Citizens Advice if they are in food or fuel need, so they can access practical support.

In addition to getting help, eligible families will be contacted to see if they want to accept a one-off payment for their energy bills.

This can be in the form of vouchers for pre-payment meters, or online payment towards a smart meter or online energy account.

Citizens Advice Devon is a group of five organisations covering the county of Devon. In the past 12 months East Devon has helped 5,000 people across the District.

Since the first lockdown, all of their services have moved online and to the telephones, which has created many opportunities to make it easier for people to contact them at a time and place to suit them.

For more information, email enquiries@citizensadviceeastdevon.org or ring 01395 265070